Downstream target genes CDKN1C and RB1 were also significantly decreased and increased, respectively, at both the mRNA and protein levels in FGR twin placentae compared with normal control co-twin placentae (p < .05).
Therefore, our results suggest that changes of the DNA methylation levels of the promoter regions and the expression patterns of Cdkn1c and Peg10 may be involved in the etiology of Cd-induced fetal growth restriction.
Interestingly, a recent study discovered that loss of function or gain of function of CDKN1C also causes clinically opposite disorders, BWS and IMAGe (intrauterine growth restriction, metaphyseal dysplasia, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, and genital anomalies) syndrome, respectively.